More than 80 at first event of season

THE season's first Collins Stewart Sunday Morning Tournament was a resounding success with more than 80 youngsters taking part. The event gave players aged from three to 14 the chance to experience a fun competition.

The day was well supported by parents and friends who all came down to cheer the players on and enjoy the hospitality.

Two different age groups - under-11 and 12-14 years - competed in separate tournaments with three to five teams in each group. Each team played each other once with points awarded for a win, draw or loss.

Everyone was catered for because while the older children played their matches, the under six-year-olds enjoyed a fun coaching session.

The teams were named after various hockey-playing countries worldwide and at the end of the tournament, the umpires chose a player of the tournament from each team.

Australia were the overall winners in the 7-11 category, which took place at the Foote's Lane pitch, followed closely by Japan, whose nine points were not quite enough to beat Australia's total of 10.

Pakistan came third with seven points, followed by Holland, with Croatia bringing up the rear.

The 12-14 age group battled out the tournament on the Memorial Field pitch, where Korea were the overall victors with 12 points, followed by Spain with eight, while Germany and India tied for third place after scoring seven points and China placed fifth with six points.

After the tournament, the children were treated to a tea in the clubhouse with mulled wine and minced pies donated by Marks & Spencer's for the parents, before the prizegiving and a raffle.

Coordinator Bruce Spittal said the emphasis remained on participation and fun.

'The tournament was a culmination of the Sunday morning sessions which give as many children as possible the chance to play hockey,' he said.

Ron Despres from Collins Stewart said he was impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm showed by all taking part.

'Our aim has always been to support activities which encourage our young people to get involved and this is one such event. I was delighted by the good sportsmanship and the genuine desire to have fun on the day,' he said.

* Anyone interested in junior hockey in Guernsey can contact the hockey development officer on 259553 or 07781 439409.